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Question
31 Jul 2007
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Severe Iron deficiency & IBS
A friens of mine suffers from severe iron deficiency as well as IBS. Can the two problems be related? According to her doctor she cannot absorb iron normally and will have to get an iron transfusion. Is there any natural way to increase her uptake of iron from food? She complains that any acidic foods "do not agree with her" and lots of foods cause severe flatulence and cramps. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your time!
Thank you for your time!
DietDoc
Dear Adri
Firstly I would recommend that you friend should consult a clinical dietitian (visit the Association for Dietetics in SA Website at: www.adsa.org.za and click on "Find a Dietitian" to find a dietitian in your area). The dietitian will assist your friend with a diet prescription that helps her to manage her IBS and the severe iron deficiency. Generally speaking IBS and an inability of absorb iron are not directly related. She is getting the iron transfusion because her blood iron levels are so low that this is a faster and more efficient method of replenishing the depleted iron stores. The best dietary sources of iron and B12 are animal proteins (red meat, liver, other meats, poultry, fish, egg yolk, cereals that are fortified with iron, B12 and folic acid, and dried fruit which can contain some iron).
But encourage your friend to see a dietitian as it is evident that she needs professional assistance with her food choices because of the IBS and iron deficiency.
Best regards
DietDoc
Firstly I would recommend that you friend should consult a clinical dietitian (visit the Association for Dietetics in SA Website at: www.adsa.org.za and click on "Find a Dietitian" to find a dietitian in your area). The dietitian will assist your friend with a diet prescription that helps her to manage her IBS and the severe iron deficiency. Generally speaking IBS and an inability of absorb iron are not directly related. She is getting the iron transfusion because her blood iron levels are so low that this is a faster and more efficient method of replenishing the depleted iron stores. The best dietary sources of iron and B12 are animal proteins (red meat, liver, other meats, poultry, fish, egg yolk, cereals that are fortified with iron, B12 and folic acid, and dried fruit which can contain some iron).
But encourage your friend to see a dietitian as it is evident that she needs professional assistance with her food choices because of the IBS and iron deficiency.
Best regards
DietDoc
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